News Local/State

Illini Take Braggin’ Rights Game 62-59

 
Members of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate following Saturday's win

Members of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate following Saturday's 'Braggin' Rights' win over Missouri 62-59.

Rayvonte Rice hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the last of his 19 points, giving Illinois a 62-59 victory over Missouri in the annual Braggin' Rights game on Saturday.

Rice also had seven rebounds and three assists and Illinois (9-3) had a tougher time than expected against Missouri (5-6), which is rebuilding under new coach Kim Anderson.

Ahmad Starks added 13 points and Malcolm Hil had 10.
 
After Wesley Clark's jumper from the key tied it with 17.8 seconds remaining, Illinois left the game in Rice's hands.

He dribbled for several seconds before stepping up the key and drilling a fade-away shot over defenders Keith Shamburger and Johnathan Williams III.
 
Williams had 15 points and eight rebounds for Missouri. Clark added 11 points, five rebounds and three assists and also tied it at 55 with 4:40 to go.